Description versus Analysis(00:38)

What is a Description?(00:52)

A description is the basic examination of an artwork's elements and structures; it requires a detailed look. Eisenman provides tips for examining a work of art.

What is Analysis?(00:60)

Analysis is the detailed examination of an artwork's elements and structures. Historical analysis evaluates artwork in the social and cultural context in which it was created.

In Summary(01:20)

Formalism evaluates the formal elements of line, shape, color, and material in an artwork. Close analysis of an artwork will reveal the historical meanings. See a list of resources for studying art.

Techniques and Materials(01:07)

Different materials and processes and can mean and do various things. Peter Fagundo cites perception differences between large and small scale. Media can complicate an audience's understanding of the artwork.

Perspectives from Three Artists on Media(04:21)

Cabal tries to make light substantial without being "too clunky;" she has rigorous rules for how form emerges onto the surface of her material. Aguilar wants to "keep things fresh;" he changes mediums. Nazafarin Lotfi works with objects she has in her studio. See a list of resources for studying art.

Artistic Process(00:45)

Approaches to creating art include: concept leading to product, response to materials or processes, and commission.

Conversation with Two Artists: the Concept(00:48)

Cabal considers how she can create a lasting intervention that will draw your attention to something that was always there and you had not realized it. Lotfi thinks about her work with text and paper.

Conversation with Two Artists: the Process(03:42)

Cabal's first step for several commissions was intensive study of the space; she chooses materials and techniques for approaching the space. Lotfi works close to her paintings that lie flat on a table; texture is the residue of her process.

Conversation with Two Artists: the Final Product(01:06)

See works of art by Cabal and Lotfi and a list of resources for studying art.

Practicing Formal Analysis(00:43)

Fagundo lists the four steps of formal analysis that leads us from form to content and quality.

Describe the Work(01:15)

O'Brien states the first question is, how are you reacting to a work of art? Eisenman suggests discussing the larger forms within an artwork before moving on to smaller details.

Analyze the Work(01:44)

O'Brien states we understand the heart of an artwork through the way it looks and what tools were used. Eisenman states that formal analysis is the first step every artist takes; meaning often follows.

Interpret the Work(00:49)

Consider what the art form is and what it means. Eisenman wants to understand the social, political, and psychological location in which an artwork was created and see it in context with other works.

Judge the Work (Quality and Value)(02:07)

O'Brien considers value in terms of inquiry and self-expression— what is the quality of an artist's investment in the questions they are asking? Eisenman values a work of art by determining how the artwork affected particular audiences. See a list of resources for studying art.

Introduction to Art: Visual Analysis

Description

This video defines the elements of art and principles of design and shows how they are used when describing and analyzing works of art. Learn the distinction between different media, techniques, materials, and processes used in art making and their practical and symbolic implications of each. Finally, experts discuss the components of a formal analysis of a single work as well as a comparative formal analysis of two or more artworks.